Despite the war raging on her timeline, Mithali went about her day unfazed, and refused to comment on the controversy.

In July, the Indian women's cricket team led by Mithali Raj reached the final of the ICC World Cup and won hearts despite going down after a valiant fight. The team's performance generated renewed interest among people in women's cricket.

"Our team did well in the World Cup. I wouldn't say good because of the result but we have created a buzz about women's cricket in India among people. I am hoping it will be good times henceforth for women's cricket," Mithali had told reporters at the time.

"I did not expect this kind of reception despite losing the final. As a team we were all sad after the defeat in the final. This appreciation and feedback from the Prime Minister to Chief Minister has been really nice because all these years nobody gave us acknowledgement. This time the matches were telecast live on television and social media. It created wider atmosphere and many people tweeted in support of the Indian team," she added.

Mithali was also in the news in June, when she was was asked who her favourite male cricketer was.

"Do you ask the same question to a male cricketer? Do you ask them who their favourite female cricketer is?" she asked the reporter in return, triggering off a debate about sexism in sports.